Love the raw earthy finish of plaster walls?
Bare plaster walls have a depth and luminosity that shifts light and transforms the look and feel of a space – plus theres no painting required! Left in its raw state, plaster can also be an environmentally friendly option for your home. |t’s natural, breathable and free of chemicals.
As they are pretty labour intensive, plaster walls are generally more expensive than painted walls. However they also tend to be longer lasting and are completely unique!
Wondering which plaster finish is right for your living space…? Here’s my handy guide!
🤍 lime plaster
This is a traditional plaster often seen in older buildings. It can look and feel like stone or marble.
Lime plaster is made of limestone which has been baked at extreme temperatures to remove impurities and it comes in a putty form. Beeswax is usually applied afterwards to give it an attractive polished, protective shield. Left unpainted, it takes in moisture & releases it making it great for kitchens and bathrooms, though it shouldn’t be exposed directly to water.
Love the look of lime plaster? For a beautiful limewash effect in an amazing array of colours, check out Bauwerk paint
🤍 venetian plaster
Venetian plaster is made from natural lime and ground marble. It’s applied in many layers and finished with polish creating a beautiful depth, which can also be subtly pigmented. Venetian plaster has a very durable finish and is great for both interiors & exteriors.
🤍 tadelakt plaster
Seen in the beautiful riads and hammans of Marrakesh, tadelakt is a natural lime-based plaster made using black soap made from olives. When these ingredients are combined a chemical reaction creates a waterproof membrane, making it perfect for wetrooms and bathrooms.
Tadelakt has become super popular in recent years due to its earthy nuanced tones and waterproof qualities.
🤍 clay plaster
Clay plaster is 100% natural, naturally pigmented and will never need painting. More breathable than lime, it absorbs and releases moisture from the atmosphere, although it’s not waterproof. Its also great at absorbing sound and light, to help create ambience. Clay plaster is available in a variety of delicate hues and has a superfine finish. Thicker more rustic finishes can offer bolder colours.
🤍 gypsum plaster
AKA regular decorators plaster! It doesn’t have the eco credentials or breathability of clay or lime but is a great budget friendly option if you like the raw plaster look. Gypsum is matt finished and single hued and so requires fewer coats than clay or lime.
Inspired? If you would like help redesigning the look and feel of your home, contact me here